Simmering Thursday

The Jesse Boulerice hit on Ryan Kesler was the biggest news of Thursday, but unlike other nasty incidents over the past few years, there was little debate.  Hockey circles looked like a one-sided coin: a lengthy suspension was coming.

Kesler told the media he thought Boulerice’s suspension should be similar to the 20-gamer handed to Flyer Steve Downie.

The Flyers cannot be happy about another hefty suspension to one of their players, and Boulerice, who didn’t play in the NHL at all last season, might already be looking past his suspension and just hoping the organization gives him another shot at top-level play.

Last night

I somehow added Ilya Kovalchuk to the fight log again.  The Thrashers are now 0-4, and at the tail end of the game Kovalchuk took matters into his own hands when he didn’t like the hitting going on.  It wasn’t a lengthy fight by any means, but I’m sure the organization was split between loving seeing some heart from him, and almost having their own hearts stop when he shed the gloves.

With the Islanders down 7-1 to the Leafs at the time Kovalchuk’s former teammate Andy Sutton had the same reaction after Wade Belak pushed him to the ice in the heavyweight tilt of the night.

Videos added

Daniel Carcillo vs Scott Nichol Oct 11, 2007
David Clarkson vs Bryan Allen Oct 11, 2007
Andy Sutton vs Wade Belak Oct 11, 2007
Eric Boulton vs Paul Gaustad Oct 11, 2007
Ilya Kovalchuk vs Drew Stafford Oct 11, 2007

Some reads

Pens’ Laraque misses practice, Scuderi’s foot OK
New-look Flyers search for Brotherly Love
Sharks scratch inconsistent Murray
Isles’ Berard grateful for chance to just play
Senators send Emery to minors
Clement misses national limelight